Top 10 Heartbreaking Romantic Movies That Will Leave You in Tears

Me Before You (2016) is a romantic drama directed by Thea Sharrock, marking her directorial debut. Adapted by Jojo Moyes from her 2012 novel of the same name, the film tells the story of a young man paralyzed in an accident and the woman who becomes his caregiver. Produced by New Line Cinema, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and Sunswept Entertainment, with Warner Bros. Pictures handling distribution, the film stars Emilia Clarke, Sam Claflin, Janet McTeer, Charles Dance, and Brendan Coyle.

To date, Me Before You remains one of the most emotional films, pulling at the heartstrings of its audience. The film takes viewers on a journey from moments of love and happiness to the deepest sorrow. Will, the perfect man in every girl's dreams, meets Lou, a radiant and optimistic woman. Their love burns brightly, leading audiences to imagine a fairy-tale ending. However, the film concludes with Will and Lou not walking down the road together, yet their love remains intact, having been shared with all their hearts.

The Painted Veil (2006) is a dramatic film directed by John Curran, based on the 1925 novel of the same name by W. Somerset Maugham. The screenplay, written by Ron Nyswaner, marks the third adaptation of Maugham's book, following the 1934 film featuring Greta Garbo and Herbert Marshall, and the 1957 version, 'The Seventh Sin,' starring Bill Travers and Eleanor Parker.

In the story, a forced marriage binds two very different individuals. Kitty, a smart and strong-willed woman, is married to Walter Fane, a man lacking in romance. After the wedding, Kitty has an affair out of frustration with her husband's indifference. The relationship between the two characters is filled with hurt and conflict.

However, during the second half of the film, a life-changing journey helps them understand one another, and an unexpected love blossoms between them. Yet, the ending of The Painted Veil leaves viewers reflecting deeply, as Walter dies, and Kitty continues to carry the love they shared in her heart.

A Walk to Remember is a 2002 romantic drama film directed by Adam Shankman, with a screenplay by Karen Janszen, based on the 1999 novel by Nicholas Sparks. The film was released on January 25, 2002, and became a box office hit, grossing four times its $11.8 million budget. It was released on DVD in July 2002, with a 'family-edited' version following in December. The film received generally negative reviews from critics, who criticized its predictability, though some praised its sincerity and the performances of the lead actors.

The story follows the sweet, unlikely romance between the rebellious Landon Carter and the sweet Jamie Sullivan. Their relationship evolves from initial misunderstandings and conflicts to a deep, genuine love. However, the ending leaves viewers heartbroken when Jamie is diagnosed with a terminal illness. The final moments, showing Landon transformed from a troubled teenager to a grown man remembering his lost love, are truly moving.

INFORMATION:

Director: Adam Shankman
Country: USA
Year: 2002
Duration: 102 minutes
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
Metacritic Rating: 35
Tomatometer: 27%
Awards: MTV Movie Award, Teen Choice

Five Feet Apart is a 2019 romantic drama directed by Justin Baldoni in his directorial debut, written by Mikki Daughtry and Tobias Iaconis. The film received mixed reviews from critics but grossed over $91 million worldwide.

The story follows the poignant romance between Will and Stella, two young people bound by the disease cystic fibrosis. In a moment of despair, Will meets Stella, a warm and lively girl, and they quickly fall in love. However, the cruel nature of their illness prevents them from being closer than five feet apart.

Despite this, they continue to defy the odds, loving each other in a way that’s uniquely their own. Their love story remains peaceful until one fateful day when a snowstorm leads to a dramatic turn of events, forcing Will to make a heartbreaking choice to protect their love. With a deeply emotional storyline and strong performances from young stars Haley Lu Richardson and Cole Sprouse, Five Feet Apart leaves a lasting impact on its audience.

INFORMATION:

Director: Justin Baldoni
Country: USA
Year: 2019
Duration: 116 minutes
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
Metacritic Rating: 53
Tomatometer: 53%

Never Let Me Go is a 2010 British dystopian romantic drama based on Kazuo Ishiguro's 2005 novel of the same name. Directed by Mark Romanek and adapted by Alex Garland, the film follows the lives of Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy (played by Carey Mulligan, Keira Knightley, and Andrew Garfield), who find themselves in a complex love triangle. Filming began in April 2009 and lasted several weeks.

The film, adapted from the novel, portrays a melancholic love story where rivalry and resentment obscure the true meaning of love. As youth slips away and opportunities for love are lost, years later, when the passionate feelings of youth have faded, two hearts find their rhythm again and come together. But by then, it's too late. The film ends with Kathy, the female protagonist, alone, with love and friendship both gone.

INFORMATION:
Director: Mark Romanek
Country: UK
Year: 2010
Duration: 103 minutes
IMDb Rating: 7.1/10

Metacritic Rating: 69

Tomatometer: 71%

One Day is a romantic drama directed by Lone Scherfig, based on David Nicholls' 2009 novel of the same name. The film stars Anne Hathaway and Jim Sturgess, and was released by Focus Features in August 2011. While not a standout film or a must-see classic, its ending may leave audiences with a feeling of melancholy, as if they've lost something deeply meaningful.

The story revolves around the complex relationship between two friends, Dexter and Emma, who begin their journey after a one-night stand following their graduation ceremony. Choosing to remain close friends and suppress their emotions, they continue to cross paths over the years. Despite their rational minds trying to distance them, their hearts cannot help but stir with every meeting. After enduring many ups and downs, what seemed like an impossible romance ultimately blossoms. But in the end, the film does not spare the audience—leaving them with the bittersweet parting of the two lovers, separated forever, filled with regret and nostalgia for their lost youth.

The Best of Me (2014) is a romantic drama directed by Michael Hoffman, with a screenplay by Will Fetters and J. Mills Goodloe, adapted from Nicholas Sparks' 2011 novel. The film stars James Marsden and Michelle Monaghan, alongside Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato.

Another beautiful love story with a heartbreakingly tragic ending, The Best of Me tells the tale of two people from different social backgrounds. Amanda, a wealthy young woman, and Dawson, a poor yet determined student, defy the odds and follow their hearts.

However, fate has other plans, leading them down separate paths. Many years later, they reunite and realize that their love still runs deep. The film intensifies the emotional toll on the audience when Dawson donates his heart to Amanda’s son, leaving behind a legacy of love that will never fade, but ultimately losing his own life in the process.

The Thorn Birds is a 1977 novel by Australian author Colleen McCullough, later adapted into a highly acclaimed TV miniseries in 1983.

The story follows three generations of the Cleary family, exploring themes of loss, tragedy, and hidden secrets. At the heart of the narrative is the forbidden and passionate love affair between Meggie, a beautiful young woman, and Father Ralph de Bricassart, a priest. Their love transcends age, time, and religious barriers, defying all societal norms. Many readers of The Thorn Birds are deeply moved by its philosophy: 'The bird, impaled by the thorn of the blackberry bush, follows the unchangeable laws of nature, not knowing the force that drives it toward death. Yet, despite this inevitable fate, it continues to sing, unaware of its approaching end. We, on the other hand, know the risks, yet we willingly throw ourselves into the thorns.'

The miniseries stars Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Barbara Stanwyck, Christopher Plummer, and Philip Anglim, directed by Daryl Duke. Based on McCullough's novel, the series became a major success and is considered the second most critically praised U.S. miniseries of all time, following Roots. Both were produced by TV veteran David L. Wolper.

Atonement is a British war romance film released in 2007, directed by Joe Wright and based on the novel by Ian McEwan. The movie stars Keira Knightley, James McAvoy, Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai, and Vanessa Redgrave.

The film follows the story of a wrongful accusation and its tragic consequences over more than six decades, beginning in the 1930s. It premiered in the UK and Ireland on September 7, 2007, and in North America on December 7, 2007, grossing over $129 million worldwide. The film received six Academy Award nominations at the 80th Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress for Ronan, Best Adapted Screenplay, and won Best Original Score. Additionally, it won Best Motion Picture – Drama at the 65th Golden Globe Awards and received 14 nominations at the 61st BAFTA Awards.

The film resonates deeply with audiences by portraying one of the most poignant and heartbreaking love stories on screen. It tells the tale of an impossible romance between Robbie, a humble servant, and Cecilia, a beautiful young woman, defying class barriers. The beauty of their love is matched only by the pain it causes. The guilt of Cecilia's younger sister, Briony, becomes even more unbearable as her actions tear the two apart, creating an illusion of happiness for them that can never be real. The film concludes with the tragic deaths of Robbie and Cecilia, parting forever with unfulfilled love and deep regret.

The Fault in Our Stars is a 2014 American romantic drama with comedic elements, directed by Josh Boone. It is based on the 2012 novel of the same name by John Green. The movie stars Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff, Laura Dern, Sam Trammell, and Willem Dafoe.

The story revolves around two young cancer patients, Hazel and Gus, who embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to fulfill a shared dream. Their love blossoms as they cherish precious moments together, despite the tragic circumstances. As the film concludes, Hazel witnesses Gus's death and is left to carry the memory of their unfinished love deep in her heart.

Released on June 6, 2014, The Fault in Our Stars was well-received by critics, particularly for Woodley's performance and the emotional journey of the film. It was also a major commercial success, topping the box office in its opening week and grossing nearly $300 million on a production budget of just $12 million.